Following the striking format of 100 English Roses for the American Garden, here is both a how-to book and a stunningly photographed field guide. Beginning with the one persistent myth surrounding orchids (that they-re difficult to grow) and debunking it thoroughly, Mr. McDonald describes potting mediums, water and air needs, light and lack of light, how to create an orchid garden, and troubleshooting. From there the book introduces 100 dazzling varieties and explains how to raise and care for them, from popular cattleyas and phalaenopsis to hauntingly beautiful ascocendas, charming miltoniopsis, or pansy orchids, vandas and oncidiums.

Elvin McDonald is not only a garden writer and editor, but also one of the foremost horticultural authorities in America. He has authored more than 50 books, served as editorial consultant on Smith & Hawken's Outdoor Garden Book and was editor-in-chief of the American Horticultural Society's Encyclopedia of Gardening. He is currently senior staff editor and garden editor of Traditional Home Magazine. Elvin was just inducted into the Garden Writers Association of America's "Hall of Fame." He is the tenth inductee since 1981--and the youngest to date.